The Brazilian winger was the subject of two bids from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, and he informed City of his ambition to move.

Sources informed TBR Football at the beginning of August that Savinho was offered to Tottenham, but Man City pulled the plug on a potential deal after failing to find a suitable replacement.

Thomas Frank was in love with the idea of adding the Brazilian to his attacking ranks, and Spurs were willing to pay £69 million to make the deal happen, breaking their current transfer record.

We are told Savinho liked the idea of regular football, but now, following talks, he has been assured that will come at the Etihad. A new six-year deal has now been agreed in principle.

Exclusive: Savinho agrees new long-term contract at Man City

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed that Guardiola played a major role in persuading Savinho to commit his long-term future at the Etihad.

Bailey confirmed: “I am told that after the window closed, both Guardiola and Viana had lengthy talks with Savinho, where they underlined their belief to him that he has a major part to play.

“They have a huge belief in his talent and admiration for him as a person. Hearing the backing he has, Savinho has been persuaded that his future lies in Manchester.”

As revealed by TBR Football, Tottenham had planned to reignite their interest in Savinho in the winter transfer window, but now Spurs will be forced to move on to alternative targets, as the player has committed to City.

Savinho has made his intentions clear about his desire to fight for a starting berth at the Etihad after an underwhelming maiden campaign in English football, yielding only one Premier League goal in 29 outings.

The 21-year-old has yet to start in the league this season but opened his account for the Citizens during the 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup.

With summer signing Rayan Cherki enduring a lengthy spell on the sidelines, there should be plenty of opportunities for Savinho to impress, and the willingness to offer the forward a six-year deal is a clear indication of how highly Guardiola rates the Brazilian.

Savinho’s biggest threat at Manchester City is Jeremy Doku

With Phil Foden slowly but surely returning to his best form at the Etihad, Jeremy Doku remains Savinho’s biggest obstacle if he is to force himself into the first team frame.

The Belgian has been “unstoppable” for club and country at the beginning of the season and was one of City’s standout performers in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal last time out.

Savinho arrived in a £30m deal from sister club Troyes last summer, and while he recorded 10 assists for City across all competitions, his output will need to improve before he can be considered a regular starter.

As things stand, it is unlikely Savinho will start against Burnley, having played 83 minutes mid-week, but Guardiola may very well follow up on the forward’s new long-term contract with a decent cameo on Sunday.